It’s a game of milestones and debuts as the All Blacks gear up for a showdown in Buenos Aires this Saturday. Codie Taylor, the robust hooker, is set to etch his name into the history books by becoming the 14th player to rack up 100 Tests for New Zealand, facing off against the very team he debuted against a decade ago. Meanwhile, fresh talent Simon Parker from the Chiefs will storm the field in his first Test appearance, slotting in at No. 8.
Codie Taylor isn't just hitting a century of caps; he's becoming only the second All Blacks hooker to do so after the legendary Keven Mealamu. At 34, Taylor continues to embody the spirit and strength of his role. Joining him in the limelight, 25-year-old Parker is primed to showcase his mettle and muscle at the back of the scrum, a move made as Ardie Savea shifts to openside flanker.
"Codie is a great All Black. He carries a huge amount of mana in our group and it’s important we put out a performance that makes him and his wh?nau proud in his 100th Test,"
articulated coach Scott Robertson.
"Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency. He’s a big, physical man, and he’s ready to make an impact."
Adjustments aren't just happening in the starting lineup. The bench sees a boost with the return of prop Tamaiti Williams and loose forward Wallace Sititi from injuries. Lock Josh Lord steps in for the injured Patrick Tuipulotu, adding fresh energy and options for the team.
Robertson is confident about the depth and drive of his refreshed squad. "All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training,” he said, emphasizing the readiness and impact the substitutes are expected to bring to the fray.
The All Blacks team lining up for the match is: Will Jordan (15), Sevu Reece (14), Billy Proctor (13), Jordie Barrett (12), Rieko Ioane (11), Beauden Barrett (10), Cortez Ratima (9), Simon Parker (8), Ardie Savea (7), Tupou Vaa’i (6), Fabian Holland (5), Scott Barrett (4, captain), Fletcher Newell (3), Codie Taylor (2), Ethan de Groot (1). The bench includes: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, and Damian McKenzie.
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It’s a game of milestones and debuts as the All Blacks gear up for a showdown in Buenos Aires this Saturday. Codie Taylor, the robust hooker, is set to etch his name into the history books by becoming the 14th player to rack up 100 Tests for New Zealand, facing off against the very team he debuted against a decade ago. Meanwhile, fresh talent Simon Parker from the Chiefs will storm the field in his first Test appearance, slotting in at No. 8.
Codie Taylor isn't just hitting a century of caps; he's becoming only the second All Blacks hooker to do so after the legendary Keven Mealamu. At 34, Taylor continues to embody the spirit and strength of his role. Joining him in the limelight, 25-year-old Parker is primed to showcase his mettle and muscle at the back of the scrum, a move made as Ardie Savea shifts to openside flanker.
"Codie is a great All Black. He carries a huge amount of mana in our group and it’s important we put out a performance that makes him and his wh?nau proud in his 100th Test,"
articulated coach Scott Robertson."Equally, it’s a special day for Simon and his family. He’s earned his selection through performance and consistency. He’s a big, physical man, and he’s ready to make an impact."
Adjustments aren't just happening in the starting lineup. The bench sees a boost with the return of prop Tamaiti Williams and loose forward Wallace Sititi from injuries. Lock Josh Lord steps in for the injured Patrick Tuipulotu, adding fresh energy and options for the team.
Robertson is confident about the depth and drive of his refreshed squad. "All of the players who have come into the squad have worked really hard and earned their place at training,” he said, emphasizing the readiness and impact the substitutes are expected to bring to the fray.
The All Blacks team lining up for the match is: Will Jordan (15), Sevu Reece (14), Billy Proctor (13), Jordie Barrett (12), Rieko Ioane (11), Beauden Barrett (10), Cortez Ratima (9), Simon Parker (8), Ardie Savea (7), Tupou Vaa’i (6), Fabian Holland (5), Scott Barrett (4, captain), Fletcher Newell (3), Codie Taylor (2), Ethan de Groot (1). The bench includes: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, and Damian McKenzie.